Washington, D.C. – In response to President Obama signing the recently passed Continuing Resolution, Kris Perry, Executive Director of the First Five Years Fund (FFYF), released the following statement:
“We are pleased that members of Congress came together to keep the federal government funded. The Continuing Resolution ensures millions of kids still have access to critical quality early learning programs throughout the country, and continues the important work that strengthens and improves programs like Head Start, Preschool Development Grants, and Child Care and Development Block Grants. We look forward to working with members of Congress as they craft a final funding bill that includes robust support for early childhood programs.”
Americans across the political spectrum support federal progress on early childhood education. FFYF’s recent national poll found that 90 percent of voters – including 78 percent of Trump supporters and 97 percent of Clinton supporters – want Congress and the next president to work together to make quality early childhood education more accessible and affordable. Over two-thirds of poll respondents believe children do not start kindergarten with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
About the First Five Years Fund: The First Five Years Fund helps America achieve better results in education, health and economic productivity through investments in quality early childhood education programs for disadvantaged children. FFYF provides knowledge, data and advocacy – persuading federal policymakers to make investments in the first five years of a child’s life that create greater returns for all. http://www.ffyf.org